Essential English 4: Student’s Book Transcripts

Unit 1
Track 1.1
A
Julia: Hi Felipe. I haven’t seen you for ages. How’s it going?
Felipe: Oh, hello Julia! I’m fine. How are you? You look great!
Julia: Thanks, this is a new haircut. So what are you up to these days?
Felipe: Oh, not much. I’m studying journalism at college because I want to get myself
a better job, but I don’t have much time because I’m working really long hours. What
about you, then?
Julia: Ha, I’m working long hours, too. I’m exhausted! Listen Felipe, I’ve got a friend
who’s a journalist. She works for a careers magazine and they’re doing a feature on
hotel jobs. I think she’s looking for people to interview. What do you think?
Felipe: Well, OK, why not? It sounds interesting!

B
Felipe: You must be Alison. Hi, I’m Felipe, Julia’s friend, the hotel receptionist.
Ali: Nice to meet you, Felipe, and thanks a lot for agreeing to an interview. Julia says
you’re really busy at the moment.
Felipe: No problem. I’m doing a lot just now, but I’m interested in journalism, and
I’m happy to help you. Er … have we met before? You seem familiar. Maybe on TV?
Ali: I don’t think so. I’ve interviewed a lot of people, but I don’t normally forget a
face.
Felipe: That’s strange. I’m sure I know you from somewhere.

Track 1.2
Ali: OK Felipe, I’d like to ask you a few questions about your life here in the UK. First
of all, where do you live and what do you do?
Felipe: Well, normally, I live in south London. But I lost my flat last month, so at the
moment I’m staying in one of the staff rooms here at the Savoy hotel.
Ali: I see …
Felipe: And I’m a receptionist. I greet new guests and take their details, give out
keys, things like that.
Ali: Ha! My next question was: how long does it take you to get to work? But if
you’re living at the hotel, that’s not very long, is it?
Felipe: No, it isn’t! It’s only two minutes from my room to the front desk. It sounds
great, but they always ask me to work really early!
Ali: Ouch! So what time do you start work in the morning?
Felipe: Well, at the moment, around 5 a.m. I don’t enjoy that much.
Ali: No, I’m not surprised. So, what’s your job like?
Felipe: It’s interesting, but it’s also very tiring, especially when I work nights.
Ali: That’s hard, after a 5 a.m. start. What are the best and worst things about the
job for you?
Felipe: The long hours aren’t very nice. But the worst thing is that sometimes the
guests can be very, very rude. The richest people can be the rudest, you know! But
then, of course, you also meet lots of interesting people, and that’s one of the best
things.
Ali: So, I suppose there are lots of celebrities in an exclusive hotel like the Savoy. Do
you often see the secret lives of the stars?
Felipe: Well, we certainly have famous guests – politicians, royalty, actors, singers.
Madonna was here just last week, but I didn’t meet her, sadly.
Ali: And what’s the hotel doing for the London Film Festival later this month? Who’s
staying with you then?
Felipe: Sorry, that’s top secret! I can’t tell you. But there are some people I’d love to
interview for my degree course.

Track 1.3
1 Where do you live and what do you do?
2 How long does it take you to get to work?
3 What time do you start work in the morning?
4 What’s your job like?
5 What are the best and worst things about the job?
6 Do you often see the secret lives of the stars?
7 What are you studying?
8 Why did you decide to do this job?
9 What were you doing before this?
10 What are your plans for the future?

Track 1.4
Ali: Oh, you’re a student? What are you studying?
Felipe: Journalism, in fact! So next time, I’ll be interviewing you!
Ali: Hmm. So, you’re not going to be a hotel receptionist forever, then? Why did you
decide to do this job? And what were you doing before this?
Felipe: I was working as a research assistant on a newspaper in Mexico City, but my
English was terrible, and I wanted to see the world. So here I am, experiencing travel
– other people’s travel, from behind a hotel desk! Don’t put that in your article!
Ali: Don’t worry. So Felipe, what are your plans for the future?
Felipe: With a bit of luck, I’ll be a writer in a year or two, just like you.
Ali: Well, perhaps you’d like to interview me about my career then!

Track 1.5
She’s unemployed 3
He’s unfashionable 1
He’s unhealthy 6
It’s unlucky 2
They’re non-essential 5
It’s non-European 4

Track 1.6
Q interviews Gaya Kapsis, a Greek film extra. From 1997 to 2000, she was a holiday
representative and worked in Sardinia with a tour company, but she gave up her job
when a talent agent saw her and offered her the chance to be a star. Since 2001,
she’s been a film extra, acting in crowd scenes in large films like The Duchess and The
Golden Compass. Gaya now lives in Milan, but she travels all over Europe to act in
films. She’s also a part-time model. She hasn’t done this for a long time, but she
knows that she loves it. In the future, she hopes to become a celebrity, and to use
her fame to help raise money for her favourite animal rescue charities.

Track 1.7
1
Interviewer: So how long have you worked as a film extra?
Gaya: Well, I’ve been an extra since 2001.

2
Interviewer: And how long have you lived in Italy?
Gaya: Well, I grew up in Greece, but I’m half Italian, so I’ve lived here since 1997.

3
Interviewer: How long have you been a student there?
Gaya: Since 2004.

4
Interviewer: How long have you had this ambition?
Gaya: Well, I’ve loved animals for ages.

5
Interviewer: And how long have you been together?
Gaya: For three years.

Track 1.8
1 How long have you been at this school?
2 How long have you been in this country?
3 How long have you known your teacher?
4 How long have you known your best friend?
5 How long have you known the person next to you in class?
6 How long have you had that hairstyle?

Track 1.9
Appearance and health
She’s dying her hair 7
He’s getting fit 5
He’s given up smoking 2
He’s on a diet 4
She’s having a makeover 3
She’s having cosmetic surgery 6
She’s taken up kick boxing 1
DIY (Do It Yourself)
They’re redecorating the house 11
He’s fixing a broken tap / He’s repairing a broken tap 8
He’s doing the gardening 12
She’s repainting the kitchen 10
They’re replacing old furniture 9

Track 1.10
1 I’ve changed my appearance completely. I have a new hairstyle, and I’m not
wearing glasses any more because I’ve just had eye surgery.
2 I started dieting three months ago, and I’ve already lost 20 kilos. I’ve stopped
drinking alcohol and I’ve got much fitter. I’m a new man!
3 Things are looking a lot better now. We’ve repaired the bathroom walls and floor,
but we haven’t finished repainting the room yet.
4 Jack’s looking very nervous. He knows about the worms for dinner, but he hasn’t
realised there are snakes yet! How do you think he will react?
5 She’s only been here a week, but the nanny’s already helped us a lot. Tom was
really difficult, but he’s changed so much in a short time.
6 I’m so happy! We’ve just won the competition. And I’ve learned how to dance the
tango, too. It’s what I’ve always dreamt of.

Track 1.11
He’s angry 9
He’s annoyed 6
She’s bored 4
She’s delighted 8
He’s disappointed 3
She’s disgusted 1
She’s excited 5
She’s exhausted 10
He’s interested 7
He’s jealous 2
He’s relaxed 12
He’s stressed 11

The opposites are:

bored – interested
delighted – disappointed
relaxed – stressed

Track 1.12
Part 1
Nicki: There’s nothing to do. Let’s go out.
Luigi: Sorry, I’m much too tired. I’ll just have something to drink and then go to bed.

Part 2
Luigi: Who’s that on the phone?
Nicki: Nobody important. It’s just my friend Mona.
Luigi: What’s wrong? You look upset.
Nicki: Mona says she saw you with somebody last night. A woman! Who was it?
Luigi: No, I didn’t see anybody last night. Ohhhhh, hold on! There was somebody.
Nicki: You’re such a liar. Nothing you tell me is true!
Luigi: Listen, darling, that woman was my sister!

Part 3
Nicki: So why did you meet up with your sister?
Luigi: Well, she had some news. She’s pregnant! Isn’t that wonderful?
Nicki: Wow! That’s fantastic!
Luigi: Let’s go out – somewhere special – and celebrate!
Nicki: OK, but I thought you were too tired to go out?

Track 1.13
Nicki: Listen, Mona. I asked Luigi about that woman you saw him with.
Mona: Really? And what did he say?
Nicki: Well, first of all, he said that he didn’t see anyone. I thought he was telling me
lies again.
Mona: Yeah, yeah.
Nicki: But then he gave me a proper explanation.
Mona: Which was …?
Nicki: He saw his sister! And she had some fantastic news – she’s pregnant!
Mona: Oh, that’s lovely – you must be so pleased!
Nicki: Yes, we are. We’ve sent her some flowers and a card to celebrate. And Luigi’s
buying me dinner to apologise for all those late nights at work.
Mona: Hmm.
Nicki: Yes, we’re going out. Somewhere special.
Mona: Aaah! Hmm, sounds very romantic, you lucky thing!

Track 1.14
dramas 4
comedies 2
action films 1
romantic films 7
science fiction 10
thrillers 9
fantasy films 8
documentaries 3
horror films 5
musicals 6

Track 1.15
1 Have you ever lived abroad?
2 Have you ever met a famous person?
3 Have you ever made a film?
4 Have you ever had a boyfriend or girlfriend from another country?
5 Have you ever been to a film festival?
6 Have you ever had a job you really hated?

Track 1.16
Mar: Oh, sorry!
Radek: That’s OK.
Mar: Oh, you speak English!
Radek: Yes, I do. I’m Radek. Nice to meet you.
Mar: Hi, Radek. I’m Mar.
Radek: Mar? Welcome to Sundance, Mar. You’re Spanish, right?
Mar: Yes, I am. The festival’s great, isn’t it? Have you seen Quentin Tarantino’s new
film? It’s premiering here, I think.
Radek: Oh yes, I have. I saw it last night. I just love his work.
Mar: Me, too. The violence scares me, but I think he’s very clever. Have you seen all
of his films?
Radek: No, I’ve only seen Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill … oh, and Reservoir Dogs of course.
They were all amazing.
Mar: Haven’t you seen Jackie Brown? I think that’s one of his best. I’ve read Elmore
Leonard’s novel Rum Punch, too. Tarantino adapted it for the Jackie Brown
screenplay. I read it when the film came out.
Radek: I’d like to see the film and read the book, but I haven’t done either yet … I
don’t know why. Which do you think’s better?
Mar: Well, I think the film’s even better than the book.
Radek: Huh, I’m not surprised. I think Tarantino is a brilliant scriptwriter.
Mar: Er ... have you ever met him in person?
Radek: Yes, I have actually. We were in Berlin. That was about three years ago. He
was very friendly.
Mar: How exciting! Lucky you! I’ve never met a famous person. So you must travel a
lot, Radek?
Radek: Well, I’ve travelled abroad a few times – I went to South Africa last year, Iran
in 2008, and I lived in Spain for a year or so. I’ve been to the Berlin Film Festival
twice. I’m studying Film Direction, you see. I finished my first film last year, but I’ve
never won any prizes or awards!
Mar: Your English is very good. Have you ever been to Britain?
Radek: No, I haven’t. But my girlfriend, Monica, is Scottish. I think she’s around here
somewhere. You must meet her, she’s just like you. She’s just gone to get an
autograph.
Mar: Oh yes? Whose is she getting?
Radek: Johnny Depp’s. He’s her favourite star. I think the queue’s probably quite
long!

Track 1.17
Mar: Have you seen Quentin Tarantino’s new film?
Radek: Yes, I have.
Mar: Have you read the novel Rum Punch?
Radek: No, I haven’t.
Mar: Has your girlfriend been to Spain?
Radek: Yes, she has!

Track 1.18
We were going away on holiday. The next morning we set off early for the airport.
Then we checked in and went through security. Unfortunately, the plane was
delayed so we took off late. But fortunately, we landed on time. After that, we
picked up our bags and got a taxi to the hotel. Two weeks later we checked out of
the hotel and came home. Home, sweet home!

So the answers are …

be delayed 5
check in for a flight 3
check out of a hotel 10
get a taxi to 9
go away on holiday 1
go through security 4
land 7
pick up bags 8
set off for 2
take off 6

Track 1.19
Ruby: I’ve just got back from the best trip of my life. It was such an amazing journey.
Bjorn: Really? Where did you go?
Ruby: I cycled through the Andes mountains from Ecuador to Argentina with my
boyfriend, Alan.
Bjorn: Wow! That’s incredible. You must be exhausted! How long did it take?
Ruby: Well, we spent four months travelling. We set off on the first of October, and
we finished in February. But really, the whole thing took about six months, because
it took us two months to get ready and raise money for the trip.
Bjorn: Raise money? What do you mean?
Ruby: To look for sponsors. You see, we did the journey for a charity that works with
children in South America. They gave us our bikes and all the equipment we needed.
Bjorn: I see …
Ruby: And in return, we raised some money for the charity – around $5,000.
Bjorn: $5,000? Wow! That’s a lot. So, tell me more about the journey.
Ruby: Well, we flew to Quito, in Ecuador, and then we just set off on our bikes and
rode south!
Bjorn: On your own?
Ruby: Yes, just the two of us.
Bjorn: Unbelievable! How exciting! So, what were your favourite bits?
Ruby: Well, we spent half the time in the Andes mountains. They’re really beautiful.
And I loved the Amazon River. It’s just so enormous. It looks more like the sea, it’s so
wide!
Bjorn: Really? Which countries did you go through?
Ruby: Em, after Quito, we spent about a week in Trujillo in Peru. And we also visited
Cuzco and Machu Picchu. What a magical place! Then, we rode into the north of
Chile before we crossed into Argentina, where we went from Cordoba all the way to
Buenos Aires!
Bjorn: But, er, wasn’t it … dangerous?
Ruby: Not at all. Well, I mean, we never had any problems. We met some wonderful
people and made loads of friends everywhere. I think South Americans are the
friendliest people in the world.
Bjorn: Uh-huh. That’s fantastic.
Ruby: It was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.
Bjorn: Yeah, it sounds truly amazing. Are you making any crazy plans for next year?
Ruby: In fact, I am. I’m already in training! I’m going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next
April. Alan can’t come. Would you be interested?
Bjorn: You know what? Maybe I would! So, can you tell me some more about …

Track 1.20
1 It was such an amazing journey.
2 I cycled through the Andes mountains, from Ecuador to Argentina.
3 We set off on the first of October.
4 Really, the whole thing took about six months.
5 We did the journey for a charity that works with children in South America.
6 They gave us our bikes and all the equipment we needed.
7 We raised some money for the charity – around $5,000.
8 I loved the Amazon River.
9 What a magical place!
10 We never had any problems.
11 We met some wonderful people.
12 I think South Americans are the friendliest people in the world.
13 I’m going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Track 1.21
The seven short vowels
kiss, fish
bag, hat
bread, red
dog, clock
sun, one
foot, book
banana, computer

The five long vowels

cheese, key
star, heart
girl, skirt
wall, door
moon, June
Track 1.22
A: So, where do you live?
B: I live in Dubai. It’s a fantastic city!
A: Hmm … I’d love to go there! And what do you do?
B: I work in a big hotel as a receptionist.
A: Right. And what time do you start work?
B: Really early! I start at 6 a.m. every day.
A: Ouch! So why did you choose to be a receptionist?
B: I guess I decided to take the job because I love meeting people.
A: What were you doing before?
B: Before this? Er … I was doing a Business degree … um … in London.
A: You must love travelling! And what are you doing right now?
B: You mean apart from talking to you?! Well, at the moment I’m having a long
weekend here with my husband. Any more questions?
A: No … er … that’s all thanks. Have a good weekend …

Track 1.23
Irma: Hi, Sara. Meet my friend, Ben.
Sara: Hey, Ben. It’s really nice to meet you.
Ben: You, too, Sara.
Irma: Oh … just a minute … I’ll see who’s there …
Sara: So, Ben … um … how long have you known Irma?
Ben: Oh, since we were children. We went to the same school.
Sara: Seriously? That’s a long time!
Ben: Well, yes – almost half my life! We weren’t always friends though. We hated
each other at school!
Sara: Really! Hmm … so how long have you been friends?
Ben: Erm … We’ve only really been friends since we left school! What about you?
How long have you known Irma?
Sara: Oh, I’ve known her for three years. We’ve worked on some films together.
Ben: Ah! How long have you both worked in film?
Sara: Oh, for a long time.
Ben: Wow! And are you an actress?
Sara: No, I’m not. I’m a film extra, but I really want to be an actress!
Ben: Really? How long have you wanted to be an actress?
Sara: Oh … only since I was about six!

Track 1.24
Matt Damon was born in 1970 in Boston, USA. When he was two, his family moved
to nearby Cambridge. He has worked as an actor since 1988, when he got his first
part in the film Mystic Pizza – although he only had one line in the film! He said,
‘Mom, do you want my green stuff?’ while he was eating a lobster! In 1997, he wrote
his first screenplay, Good Will Hunting, with his friend Ben Affleck. Matt and Ben
have known each other since they were children. Over the years, Matt has made
many successful films, including Oceans 11, 12 and 13 and the Bourne trilogy.
However, he hasn’t won any awards yet for acting. As we all know, he has had
several girlfriends, but he’s been married to an Argentinian, Luciana Barroso, for
over five years. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet, Mr Matt Damon ...

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Unit 2
Track 2.1

Candice: I love shopping. And, I mean love. I’m always shopping. It’s like a hobby.
And, when I don’t have enough money to buy things, I just go window-shopping, you
know, checking out what’s new in boutiques or shoe stores. We have a large mall
nearby, and I hang out there for maybe two or three hours on the weekend. It’s
where I meet all my friends, too. I guess I’m kind of addicted. It has a whole lot of
stores, a pharmacy and a movie theater, and it’s so easy just to drive into the parking
lot. It’s free, too! I get most of my food from supermarkets, maybe three times a
week, although on weekdays, I prefer to get a fresh lunch from the local deli. Oh, and
I love shopping online, too, comparing prices, looking for bargains … I even go on
eBay sometimes to see what I can find there. Yeah, I guess I’m hooked …

Track 2.2
a car park 4 a parking lot
a chemist’s 7 a drugstore / a pharmacy
a cinema 3 a movie theater
a clothes shop 9 a clothes store
a newsagent’s 1 a newsstand
a shopping centre 10 a shopping mall
a sweet shop 8 a candy store
a toilet 11 a restroom
a travel agent’s 12 a travel agency
a baker’s 5
a deli / a delicatessen 6
a department store 2

2.3
João: I tried to go shopping uptown on Saturday, but it was really difficult. It was too
busy and there weren’t enough parking spaces. I couldn’t find anywhere to leave my
car.
Asha: Oh, I know! But there are always too many cars on Saturdays, aren’t there? I
work in the evenings, so I can do my shopping in the week. It’s a lot easier.
João: Lucky you! It wasn’t just because it was Saturday. You can’t use half the roads
at the moment, because of the extensions they’re building to the Colombo Mall. I
managed to get to the shops yesterday, but the whole area feels like a building site. I
don’t know why they’re adding more shops up there – the uptown malls are too big
already!
Asha: Uh-huh. Still, I’d prefer to go shopping in malls like Colombo or Amoreiras than
the old town centre. When I arrived in Lisbon ten years ago, you could buy most
things in the old town. But now the smaller shops, and even the good restaurants,
are all closing down and it’s empty at night. I don’t really feel safe if I go there alone.
Once the uptown malls are finished, you’ll be able to buy anything you want there.
And you won’t have problems parking, because they’re putting in a huge new multi-
storey car park, too.
João: Hmm, I’m not so sure. I think the City Council needs to protect and regenerate
the old centre. It’s getting dangerous and dirty down there. What about older
people, or people without cars? They won’t be able to go out in their own
neighbourhoods soon.
Asha: Ah, I didn’t think of that. I don’t really go into the old centre any more, so I
hadn’t thought about the people who can’t leave. I still think it’ll be good to have
more shops in the uptown malls, though.
João: I don’t. We all go shopping too much already, and spend too much money. And
at the same time, some of the oldest parts of the city are being destroyed. I don’t
think more shops will be better for Lisbon.
Asha: Well, you could stop shopping completely, you know!
João: And get everything on the internet?

Track 2.4
1 I couldn’t find anywhere to leave my car.
2 I can do my shopping in the week.
3 You can’t use half of the roads at the moment.
4 I managed to get to the shops yesterday.
5 You could buy most things in the old town.
6 You’ll be able to buy anything you want.
7 They won’t be able to go out.
8 You could stop shopping completely.

Track 2.5
1
Man: Oh no!

2
Woman: Liam! That light was red!

3
Man: Come on! Oh, I know, I know. Oh, tell me about it! Oi! Where do you think
you’re going? Sorry, where were we?

Track 2.6
Magda put on her seatbelt and turned the steering wheel. She stopped for a
pedestrian and after that she got stuck in a traffic jam. She was late so she overtook
another car and went through a red light. Then she skidded across the road and had
an accident. Finally, she parked on a double yellow line and got a parking ticket!
What a day!

So the answers are …

get a parking ticket 10
get stuck in a traffic jam 4
go through a red light 6
have an accident 8
overtake another car 5
park on a double yellow line 9
put on a seatbelt 1
skid across the road 7
stop for a pedestrian 3
turn the steering wheel 2

Track 2.7
Danuta: In my opinion, most British people drive quite carefully – they don’t drive
really fast like we do back home. I think they drive very well. They always stop and
wait patiently at zebra crossings and they never go through red lights. I guess that
may be because there are so many cameras everywhere! They don’t drive as noisily
or angrily as drivers in Poland either. I think I was here for a month before I heard
anyone using their car horn. Yes, they do drive politely here. Oh, and there are loads
of traffic wardens! A lot of people must park illegally. But then I suppose that must
be true everywhere …

Track 2.8
Interviewer: So, you’ve been a driving instructor for nearly 20 years now, haven’t
you, Peter? Is it an easy career to start in?
Peter: I think it’s probably easier now than it was when I started. You have to get a
dual control car. That means the instructor can put on the brakes if things go wrong.
They’re quite expensive, but you don’t have to buy your own these days. Many of
the larger driving schools supply them.
Interviewer: And is that different from when you started?
Peter: Yes, it is. For the first ten years, I had to drive without dual controls. That was
quite scary! Then, as an independent instructor, I had to pay for them myself.
Interviewer: I see. So, what personal qualities do you need to be a successful
instructor?
Peter: Well, you must enjoy working with people. Of course, you have to be a good
driver yourself, and understand all the rules of the road. Most importantly, though,
you must stay really calm. You mustn’t get angry with students or shout at them,
whatever happens.
Interviewer: Of course! Do your students sometimes do dangerous things, then?
Peter: Some of them do, yes. Learner drivers are very unpredictable. Some of them
are very nervous, especially women. And some of the men are overconfident. One of
my students had to take his driving test eleven times before he passed. He was a
student of mine for over eight years! Not much of a teacher, am I?
Interviewer: And was he your worst experience?
Peter: Well, no … twice my students have crashed my car and destroyed it
completely. Fortunately, I didn’t have to pay for a new car, because I have
professional insurance. But they were nasty experiences. I hurt my back in the latest
accident, and I’ve decided to retire in January. I’m taking a part-time office job
instead.
Interviewer: Oh? What do you think you’ll miss about being a driving instructor?
Peter: Probably the freedom, I think. I mean I’ll have to work fixed hours in my new
job, err … and I’m not looking forward to that. On the other hand, I won’t have to be
in dangerous, stressful situations all the time at work, and that will be great! But I
have met so many people and had some real adventures.
Interviewer: I bet you have! Tell me more …

Track 2.9
1 You don’t have to buy your own dual-control car.
2 I had to drive without dual controls.
3 You must enjoy working with people.
4 You have to be a good driver yourself.
5 You mustn’t get angry with students.
6 I didn’t have to pay for a new car.
7 I’ll have to work fixed hours in my new job.
8 I won’t have to be in dangerous, stressful situations.

Track 2.10
Javier: OK, the first question is: ‘How fast can you run?’ So, how fast can you run,
Abdi?
Abdi: Not very fast! Maybe about 15 kilometres per hour. I’m a slow runner!
Javier: Yeah, so am I. I hate running. Anyway, next question, err, huh? I think our
English teacher is a bit strange! Listen to this. How big would your ideal bedroom be?
Abdi: Quite small really. I don’t spend much time in my bedroom, so, um maybe 15
square metres would be big enough for me.
Javier: Uh-huh. Well, mine would be a lot bigger than that. I’d like a TV and a sofa in
it, too.
Abdi: Really? You’d never go out!
Javier: OK. Right, next: How tall were you when you were ten years old?
Abdi: Ten? Err, oh, I was really short, the shortest kid in my class. It was terrible! I
was around 1 metre 20.
Javier: Really? You’ve grown a lot! I think I was around 1 metre 60. But who cares
now, anyway? OK, question four … How deep can you dive?
Abdi: Dive? Not very deep. I get scared. I can only dive about one and a half metres.
Javier: So can I. I can’t swim very well either.
Abdi: Neither can I. And I hate swimming underwater. I don’t like getting water in my
ears.
Javier: Neither do I! I had a problem with my ears, so I gave up swimming
underwater. Um, anyway, number five: How far have you travelled today?
Abdi: That’s easy. Only about 10 kilometres. From my flat to the school.
Javier: Me, too. But I live nearer than you, so I’ll put 5 kilometres. And, finally, how
old were your parents when you were born?
Abdi: Huh! Um, they were quite young, in their early 20s, I think. I was an accident!
Javier: Wow! So was I. My Mum told me I was a complete surprise!

Track 2.11
1
a I’ve run 4 km.
b I haven’t run 4 km.

2
a It wouldn’t be very big.
b It’d be very big.

3
a I wasn’t very tall for my age.
b I was very tall for my age.

4
a I can dive very deep.
b I can’t dive very deep.

5
a I’ll drive a long way tomorrow.
b I won’t drive a long way tomorrow.

6
a My parents were very old.
b My parents weren’t very old.

Track 2.12
nervous about / worried about / anxious about 16
She’s nervous about the exam. / She’s worried about the exam. / She’s anxious
about the exam.

sorry for 17
He’s sorry for spilling the wine.

frightened of / afraid of 13
He’s frightened of spiders. / He’s afraid of spiders.

dependent on 18
He’s dependent on his mother.

keen on 14
He’s keen on football.

addicted to 15
She’s addicted to chocolate.
Track 2.13
Exercise is good for you, isn’t it? Well, not always, according to new reports. In fact,
it seems that more and more people are becoming addicted to exercising!

In the USA, some doctors are now very worried about this. Dr Harvey Goldstein of
The American Medical Association told us that exercise dependence is becoming
much more common. ‘A lot of patients say to me, “I can’t do too much physical
activity, can I?” ‘But actually,’ he says, ‘very often those people are the ones who
have become dependent.’

‘Exercise creates endorphins, chemicals which produce natural happy feelings all
over the body,’ Dr Goldstein continues. ‘A little of this is a good thing, but exercise
dependence happens when people become physically and mentally addicted to
those happy feelings, and start to need a lot of them just to feel OK.’

‘Addicts need to exercise every day, sometimes until they’re completely exhausted.
If they’re not at the gym, they’re playing their Wii Fit games at home. Some have
even hurt themselves doing this, because they don’t know when to stop.’

‘Many don’t realise they have a problem. They don’t think that what they’re doing is
dangerous, and it can be very difficult for them to kick the habit. Like most
addictions, it can be extremely hard to stop. Addicts often feel anxious, nervous and
even guilty if they aren’t able to do physical activity. Exercise is everything for them,
and they often get into trouble at work and in their social lives. You wouldn’t like to
feel like that, would you? It’s a real problem.’

But this doesn’t mean that lazy couch potatoes are right, does it? ‘No, of course not!’
says Harvey. ‘We all need to do a little exercise regularly, and a few hours of TV is
fine. But sitting in front of the TV 24/7 is really bad for you, too. We just need to find
the right balance between activity and relaxation.’

Track 2.14
Shaz: Wow, I’m tired. How about you, Deb?
Deb: Oh, I feel great, Shaz!
Shaz: You just love going to the gym, don’t you?
Deb: Yes I do. I do about 90 minutes of exercise every day.
Shaz: An hour and a half! That’s a lot. Do you ever see your family any more?
Deb: Oh, it’s not all at the gym. I go swimming three times a week, then there are
the dogs to walk. Often the family come along for those things. And we’ve got an
exercise bike at home, although Mike uses it more than I do. Your husband hasn’t
bought a bike too, has he?
Shaz: Actually, he has. He loves it, but I never use it! I only exercise at the gym. I
don’t want to become an addict or anything. You know … a compulsive exerciser …
Deb: What? A compulsive exerciser? Well, those guys aren’t crazy, are they? They
just care about being fit and looking good.
Shaz: I think they are! It’s good to be in shape, but there are more important things
in life. OK, I’m going to have a shower now.
Deb: We can’t stop yet, can we? I feel like I’ve hardly started.
Shaz: I’m afraid I have to stop. I’m exhausted.
Deb: We worked harder last week, didn’t we? I don’t really feel tired at all today.
Shaz: No, we exercised for longer today than last week!

Track 2.15
She’s a good swimmer isn’t she?
He isn’t very fit is he?
Maria plays golf doesn’t she?
Phil doesn’t like exercising does he?
You’re doing yoga tomorrow aren’t you?
Kim isn’t going to the gym is she?
Sam’s just been for a run hasn’t he?
Diana hasn’t played tennis has she?
They played football yesterday didn’t they?
You didn’t win the race did you?
We were having a good time weren’t we?
I wasn’t listening to you was I?
We can play football can’t we?
He wouldn’t enjoy this would he?

Track 2.16
Shaz: You just love going to the gym, don’t you?
Deb: Yes I do. I do about 90 minutes of exercise every day.

Deb: Your husband hasn’t bought a bike too, has he?

Shaz: Actually, he has. He loves it, but I never use it!

Deb: Those guys aren’t crazy, are they?

Shaz: I think they are!

Deb: We can’t stop yet, can we?

Shaz: I’m afraid I have to stop. I’m exhausted.

Deb: We worked harder last week, didn’t we?

Shaz: No, we exercised for longer today than last week!

Track 2.17
1 Maria plays golf, doesn’t she?
2 You don’t like running, do you?
3 Pedro can skate, can’t he?
4 They’re not stopping the race, are they?
5 Eva won the competition, didn’t she?
6 Henri will enjoy this karate class, won’t he?
7 You exercise a lot, don’t you?
Track 2.18
Irina: Janek, you’re married, aren’t you?
Janek: No, actually, I’m not.
Irina: You can’t swim, can you?
Janek: Yes, I can.
Irina: And, you don’t drink coffee, do you?
Janek: No, that’s right, I don’t.
Irina: So, you’re quite fit, aren’t you?!
Janek: Well … yes, I suppose I am!

Track 2.19
ankle 19 back 11 hand 12
arm 6
bottom 17
chest 10 elbow 1 leg 18 neck 8
feet (a foot) 20 knee 14 teeth (a tooth) 4
finger 16 lips 2 wrist 9
shoulder 5 throat 3 toe 21
thumb 13 tongue 7 stomach 15

Track 2.20
Lisa: What’s the matter? You don’t look well, do you?
Tim: Oh, my knee hurts and I feel dizzy!
Lisa: Oh, dear! How long have you felt like this?
Tim: For about three days.
Lisa: Have you taken any medicine for it?
Tim: Yes, I’ve taken about 15 aspirins.
Lisa: Fifteen? You shouldn’t take so many. You really ought to see a doctor, you
know!
Tim: I’m sorry, I just can’t … I feel too weak to move.
Lisa: Come on, you have to go … I’ll help you. Stand up slowly.
Tim: Yeah, OK, you’re right … Can you carry me there?
Lisa: Ha, ha, very funny! You’re ill, but you’re not dead – yet. Now come on. Move!

Track 2.21
He’s making a cake 2
He’s making an excuse 8
She’s making a mess 3
He made a mistake 7
It made a noise 1
She’s doing nothing 4
He’s doing the ironing 9
She’s doing the laundry 5
He’s doing the shopping 6

Track 2.22
Joe: Mai Arya, welcome to the show.
Mai: Thanks, great to be here, Joe. I’ve always wanted to meet you!
Joe: I see! Well, be gentle with me, please!
Mai: Don’t worry. I will!
Joe: You’ve recently written a report about the lives of women in Thailand, haven’t
you?
Mai: Yes, I have. Life there has changed a lot.
Joe: Right. So how are Thai families organised differently now from, say, 40 years
ago, when you were a child?
Mai: Forty? I was a child 30 years ago, Joe! I’m ageing more slowly than you think!
Joe: Sorry, Mai …!
Mai: Well, families are organised less traditionally than before. For example, these
days, mothers go out to work, and most people have less job security.
Joe: Uh-huh …
Mai: At home, life is much more convenient now. People live as well as they have
ever done …
Joe: What do you mean exactly?
Mai: Well, err, we have electricity, clean water, you know, all the essential things we
need, and more. But a lot of things were better in the past.
Joe: For example …?

Track 2.23
Joe: For example …?
Mai: Um, in general, people don’t behave as politely as in the past. You often hear
people complaining loudly, for example when they have to wait for things, like
buses, or for service in shops or restaurants. Many people are less friendly, more
selfish ...
Joe: Don’t tell me ... especially men?
Mai: Right. Society has changed a lot. We expect everything to happen immediately.
I call it a ‘fast food mentality’.
Joe: Ha, I like that ... a fast food mentality!
Mai: Yes. Things have changed. We can travel much more easily. We live life more
quickly these days. Young people live the fastest of all, I’d say.
Joe: Why do you think that is?
Mai: Well, as I’m younger than you, I’ll tell you. Communication is so quick – we can
access anything instantly through the internet, um, so it’s harder to wait for things.
Joe: I see.
Mai: We also live more privately, I think.
Joe: More privately? Do you mean that people don’t socialise as much?
Mai: Not exactly. We all still chat and socialise, but we do it from home, by computer
or phone. We don’t meet as often face-to-face, I don’t think.
Joe: And how does this affect personal relationships?
Mai: Well, I think it can be a good thing, in real life ...
Joe: Really?
Mai: Perhaps ... Well, I’ve been married for nearly 20 years and my relationship with
my husband is still good because we spend so much time in different places, we
hardly see each other!
Track 2.24
The eight diphthongs

cake, steak
eye, tie
soap, rope
house, cloud
hair, chair
ear, beer
oil, boy
euro, Europe

Track 2.25
I’m quite a good driver now, but I had to practise a lot to pass my test. In fact, I had
to take my test six times before I passed. My granddad didn’t have to take a driving
test – it wasn’t necessary back then. Lucky him!

Safe driving is so important, I think. You mustn’t go over the speed limit or ever drive
through red lights. Cars can be so dangerous. And you absolutely must wear a
seatbelt. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay a fine, and I think that’s totally right. People
should go to prison if they break these laws!

In my country, I have to carry my driving licence with me – it’s the law. When I go to
Italy next year, I’ll have to take my licence with me, too, so I can drive there.
Hopefully, I won’t have to pay too much for a second-hand Italian car!

Track 2.26
a banker 7
a hairdresser 6
a shopkeeper 8
an author 1
a director 4
an instructor 5
a scientist 3
a therapist 2

a bodybuilder
a photographer
a sprinter
a swimmer
a weightlifter
a doctor
a journalist
a receptionist

Track 2.27
Teacher: Now, kids. Tell me about the things you love and hate. Who’s first? Yes,
Billy?
Billy: I’m really interested in planes, miss. I want to be a pilot.
Teacher: So do I! But it’s too late for me now! Thanks, Billy. Good luck. You’ll have to
keep studying hard. Who else? Anna?
Anna: I’m really afraid of spiders, miss. I can’t even look at one.
Teacher: Really, Anna? Oh well. You’ll grow out of it one day, I’m sure.
Tim: What’s that behind you, Anna?
Anna: What? Where? Oh you!
Tim: Only joking. Sorry, Anna!
Anna: Ooh, Tim. I hate you!
Teacher: OK, Tim. Now, everybody. Let me tell you about my favourite topic – me!
Yes, well, at school, I was really fond of animals. I had lots of pets, including a spider,
a rat and a snake. Yes, but now my daughter, Marie, is allergic to cats, so I don’t have
any animals at home. Yes, but never mind. So now, instead, I do a lot of sport
because it’s good for me. You know, I’m really into outdoor activities, like cycling and
swimming. And what about you, Tim?
Tim: Well, I can’t think of anything.
Anna: You’re a terrible dancer!
Tim: That’s true. OK, yes, I guess I’m really awful at dancing.
Teacher: Come on, class. Please …

Track 2.28
Marianne: What’s the matter, Ollie? You look terrible.
Ollie: Yeah, I feel terrible, too! I’ve had a really bad headache for the last two days.
Marianne: Really? That’s a long time! You ought to see a doctor. Have you taken
anything?
Ollie: Only aspirin. About ten a day. But they haven’t made any difference.
Marianne: What?! You shouldn’t have so many. Have you taken your temperature?
Ollie: No, I haven’t. But I feel hot and dizzy.
Marianne: Let’s see … 39.5˚! Ollie, that’s really high. You should definitely go to bed
right now, I insist!
Ollie: Yeah, you’re right, I think I will.
Marianne: Good! And I’m going to call the doctor immediately. It could be
something serious.
Ollie: Thanks, Marianne.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unit 3
Track 3.1
Dave: Hello?
Jane: Hi Dave, it’s Jane.
Dave: It’s Sunday morning, Jane!
Jane: Yes, but we’re releasing the new CD this week and you’re going to be really
busy. We have to check your schedule.
Dave: Yeah, yeah, OK. Go on …?
Jane: Well, on Monday you’re doing an interview on the radio with Janice Short at 2
p.m. Don’t be late, like last time!
Dave: That wasn’t my fault.
Jane: Anyway, then at five, you have to be packed and ready to go on tour. We’re
driving down to Bristol for your Tuesday night live gig.
Dave: What time’s that?
Jane: Well, the gig’s starting at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday night at The Fridge. But we’re
going to Bristol early, on Monday, because you’re holding a press conference at 12
on Tuesday. Try to be polite, OK?
Dave: Meeting the press? Do we have to?
Jane: Yes, you do! You need to make a good impression.
Dave: OK, OK, I’ll be nice …
Jane: On Wednesday the new CD’s coming out. And we’re travelling back to London
from Bristol. Then you’ve got nothing serious for the rest of the day.
Dave: Phew!
Jane: Well, just the beautician! Javier’s arriving at 7 p.m. for your makeover. You’re
going blond, remember!
Dave: Cool! And what about Thursday in London?
Jane: At 11, you’re promoting the CD at HMV on Oxford Street. You know, meet the
fans, sign autographs, OK?
Dave: Yeah, yeah. Is that all?
Jane: No, at 6 p.m. on Thursday you’re appearing on TV for the Amnesty
International charity show at the BBC. They’re going to raise money for … I forget,
some project in Africa.
Dave: A charity show? Now, that’ll be fun. Is there going to be a party afterwards?
Jane: Probably, so it’s a good thing you aren’t doing anything on Friday morning.
Dave: Friday’s free? Fantastic!
Jane: Ah, just the morning. But don’t go crazy. Next weekend’s going to be even
busier. First, we’ve got …

Track 3.2
1 Dave’s going to be busy.
2 He isn’t going to replace Jane.
3 He’s going to have a busy week.

Track 3.3
1 There’ll be more crimes like theft and burglary.
2 I think there’ll be regular water shortages.
3 And, there won’t be nearly enough fuel.
4 Yeah, and our air and water will get dirtier. Definitely.
5 For me, there won’t be enough space to live in. Too many people.
6 I’m sure fewer people will commute to work.
7 But, there’ll be much more unemployment. Yeah.
8 I think technology will make everything better.

Track 3.4
Energy
electricity 8
a fuel shortage 7
a gasfield 3
solar power 5

Environment
a drought 4
a flood 1
global warming 9
pollution 10
recycling of waste 2
a wind farm 6

Track 3.5
Part 1
Welcome to Boston’s Futuretech Conference. Today’s speakers – ecologists and
social scientists from all over the world – all agreed that the future will be a huge
challenge. We know that human industry pollutes the world around us. There was
general agreement that pollution will increase, before it improves. Global warming
will continue, and there’ll be more extreme weather. In the last half of the 20th
century, temperatures increased by 0.5°C, but recent studies show that this is going
to get worse. Most scientists predict that there’ll be an increase of around 6°C in the
next 100 years. That will have an enormous impact on the weather, and there will be
more floods and droughts.

Part 2
There won’t be enough fuel for our needs. The price of fuels like gas and electricity
have already risen a lot in recent years, and it’s clear from the shortages we have
today that this is going to continue. We don’t know exactly when the world will run
out of fuel. Some of today’s speakers feel this will happen by 2050, while others
think it will be in 100 years’ time. From studies of oil and gasfields, everyone is now
sure that it’s going to happen one day!

Part 3
However, the conference certainly wasn’t all bad news. Our environmental problems
come from our technological development, and today’s speakers offered lots of
ways that technology will also create the solutions the world needs. We’ve already
found ways to generate renewable energy, such as wind and water power.
Computers also solve a lot of problems – for example, communicating without
paper, or working without leaving home. Experts in every area said that their
research shows technological changes are going to continue, and speed up. They
suggested improvements in our working and social lives, in health and education, in
ecological issues, and in how we manage crime, too. So it’s not quite time to start
looking for another planet to move to yet!

Track 3.6
heat up 3 cool down
improve / get better 2 get worse
rise / increase 5 fall / decrease
speed up 1 slow down
run out of petrol 4

Track 3.7
What’s it made of?
clay 2
cloth 3
glass 8
metal 1
paper 6
plastic 5
stone 7
wood 4

What shape is it?

a circle / round 2, 5
a rectangle / rectangular 1, 7
a square / square 3, 6
a triangle / triangular 4, 8

Track 3.8
The work must be brilliant.
You may disagree.
It might be by a famous artist.
This could be by Hirst.
It might not be by anybody famous.
That can’t be by a real artist.

Track 3.9
It must be worth a fortune.
It might be worth a fortune.
It may be worth a fortune.
It can’t be worth a fortune.
It could be worth a fortune.

Track 3.10
Amelie: I love this round one. What’s it made of?
David: It must be metal … although it might be a type of plastic.
Carla: And it could have some glass in it, too.
David: Who do you think it’s by?
Amelie: I think it must be by a famous artist. It’s a real mini-masterpiece.
David: I agree. It’s a beautiful piece of work. Shall we buy it?

Track 3.11
Amelie: I love this round one. What’s it made of?
David: It must be metal … although it might be a type of plastic.
Carla: And it could have some glass in it, too.
David: Who do you think it’s by?
Amelie: I think it must be by a famous artist. It’s a real mini-masterpiece.
David: I agree. It’s a beautiful piece of work. Shall we buy it?
Amelie: That’s a great idea. Let’s get it. It might be worth a lot of money.
Carla: I’m not so sure. It might not be by anybody famous. £40 is a lot of money for a
postcard, you know!
David: Maybe, but don’t you think that it’s lovely, anyway? It may not be worth a lot
of money, but I like it. I think we should buy it.
Carla: Do you really think so? I mean, the artist can’t have spent long on it – it looks
pretty simple to me.
Amelie: Even so, I like it. I think you’re right, David. If it’s not valuable, we can keep it
and put it on the wall.

Track 3.12
They’re celebrating New Year. 6
It goes on for four days. 2
They’re having a parade. 1
They organised a competition. 7
She’s selling traditional crafts. 3
Thousands of spectators attend. 5
It takes place in June. 4
They’re wearing masks and costumes. 8

Track 3.13
Mari: This week-long festival has been taking place every February for nearly 60
years. It started when schoolchildren built snow sculptures in Odori Park, near here,
but it quickly grew. In recent years, large companies have been paying for the major
sculptures, and the festival has been attracting crowds of visitors from all over the
world. The festival opens next week, and my class has been working on our entry in
the school ice carving competition. It’s nearly finished. I’ve been carving this
afternoon, and my hands are freezing cold! Our statue is fantastic. I can’t wait for the
festival to start.

Ignacio: In Castrillo, the Devil has been jumping over babies since the 17th Century!
El Colacho is the Devil, and he wears a special red and yellow costume. He runs from
the church, and jumps over all of the new babies in the town, to protect them from
illness and evil. You have to be a strong athlete to perform this great local honour.
I’ve done this twice before, but you should never get careless. I’ve been getting fit
for this year’s festival for months, and I’ve improved my jumping distance by 40 cm.
But I haven’t been training this morning. I want to have lots of energy when I do the
jump for real!

Miroslav: Although this is a festival of traditional singing, dancing and folk costumes,
it has only existed since 1953. There are exhibitions of folk art and traditional crafts,
great food and drink, and parades through the town. I’ve been in a dancing group for
three years, and I’ve performed at the festival twice, but I’ve been going there as a
spectator since I was a child. This year, I’m performing in a dance competition, and
I’ve been preparing for weeks with my partner, Zdena. I’m worried, because she’s
been having back problems, but even if we don’t win, it will be great to take part.

Track 3.14
1
A: What have you been doing, Danny? Your clothes are a terrible mess!
B: I’ve been painting the kitchen all morning. In fact, I’ve just finished it.

2
A: This window’s broken! Oh! Boys, what have you done?
B: Oh, sorry Mum. We were playing football, and, well … it was an accident.
C: And we’ve been cleaning up the broken glass for the last ten minutes!

3
A: You look exhausted, Pati. What have you been doing?
B: Oh, I’ve been training all morning. I’ve run 35 km. I’m running a marathon next
month.

4
A: Oh dear! What have you done, Sarah?
B: I’m afraid I think I’ve broken my foot! It really hurts.

Track 3.15
the aisle 18B
arrivals 17
baggage reclaim 13
a boarding card 16B
customs 11
departures 14
earplugs 15B
hand luggage 12B
headphones 15A
an overhead locker 12A
passport control 20
the safety instructions 16A
turbulence 19
a window seat 18A

Track 3.16
Mike: I’m so excited! I can’t wait to get on that plane. Egypt, here I come!
Katie: Give us a call as soon as you get there, won’t you?
Mike: Of course, Katie. I’ll ring you darling, even if it’s the middle of the night!
Katie: Good. I won’t be able to sleep unless you call. And have you changed all your
money? Maybe you should take a credit card …
Mike: Don’t worry my love. The travel guides said that if I change my money in a
bank in Cairo, I’ll get a better deal. And, yes, I’ve got a credit card, too.
Joey: Well, don’t go crazy with the card. I know you … If you make new friends, you’ll
go out partying every night! Don’t spend your money all at once, otherwise you’ll be
broke all year.
Mike: Don’t worry, I’ve only got a credit card in case I have problems finding work.
And I’m staying at a youth hostel until I get a job, so I won’t need much money.
Katie: Oh Mike, I’m really going to miss you. If you get homesick, you can always
come home, you know.
Mike: I know, I know. Look, once I’ve got a job and a place to live, I’ll invite you over
to stay, you know.
Joey: If you have a great time, you’ll never come back.
Mike: Of course I will! It’s only a year. That’s my flight. I’ve got to go. Bye!

Track 3.17
1 Give us a call as soon as you get there.
2 I’ll ring you, even if it’s the middle of the night.
3 I won’t be able to sleep unless you call.
4 If I change my money in a bank in Cairo, I’ll get a better deal.
5 If you make new friends, you’ll go out partying.
6 Don’t spend your money all at once, otherwise you’ll be broke.
7 I’ve only got a credit card in case I have problems finding work.
8 I’m staying at a youth hostel until I get a job.
9 Once I’ve got a job and a place to live, I’ll invite you over.
10 If you have a great time, you’ll never come back!

Track 3.18
A: Right. So, what’s ‘beep’? Give me some clues.
B: OK, they’re made of paper.
C: And they’re very light.
A: Books?
B: No.
A: Notebooks?
C: No.
A: A newspaper? Thanks, guys! Help!
B: Err, you find them on tables.
C: And you give them to somebody whose eyes are … watering.
A: Whose eyes are watering? You mean someone who’s crying?
B: Yes, crying, or who has just gone ‘Atishooo!’.
A: Bless you! Oh, I know, they’re …

Track 3.19
A: Right. Number 2. Clues, please.
B: OK. A ‘beep’ is made of metal, with some wood, err … or plastic.
A: Uh-huh. Is it big?
C: No, it’s quite small.
B: The people who use them most are waiters …
C: Or people that work in bars.
A: I know what you mean. Is it a thing which you use to open bottles?
B & C: Yes!
A: But, err, I don’t know the word in English.
B: It rhymes with, err, ‘fork blue’.
A: ‘Fork blue’? No idea.
C: The first sound is /k/.
A: /k/? Cork … blue? Ah, I know, it’s a …!

B: Ready? Number 3.
C: Your ‘beep’ is the day when you get married.
A: Husband? Wife?
B: No, it’s a celebration.
C: The place where this happens is usually a church.
A: Or a local office.
B: Uh-huh!
A: Um … It’s on the tip of my tongue.
B: After this day, you have a honeymoon.
A: Ah, I know. A ….!

C: The last one. ‘Beep’ number 4 is a food that is popular in Mediterranean

countries.
A: A food. A fruit?
B: No, it’s a type of vegetable.
A: Hmm. A potato? A carrot?
C: No, it’s not so common.
A: A pepper?
B: No, it looks a bit like a pepper, but it’s longer.
A: A cucumber?
B: No!
C: And it’s purple. Dark purple.
A: Um …
C: In Greece, for example, they use it to make moussaka, which is very popular.
A: Er, I can’t think of the word.
B: When you cook it, it tastes very rich.
A: I know it – in American English it’s an eggplant.
B: Good, well done! And in British English, it’s an …!

Track 3.20
1 You give them to somebody whose eyes are watering.
2 The people who use them most are waiters or people that work in bars.
3 Is it a thing which you use to open bottles?
4 It’s the day when you get married.
5 The place where this happens is usually a church or a local office.
6 It’s a food that is popular in Mediterranean countries.

Track 3.21
It begins and ends with ‘S’. 9 sausages
It rhymes with corridor. 15 floor
It feels soft. 17 a cushion
It’s the opposite of heavy and dark. 12 light
It’s the past tense of buy. 16 bought
It looks like a pyramid. 14 a mountain
It smells like flowers. 13 soap
It sounds like a horse. 10 [coconut shells]
They taste sweet. 11 biscuits

Track 3.22
Lenka: I had a dreadful experience this morning when I went into my favourite cafe,
the one where I normally go. Anyway, I ordered my usual cappuccino and a lovely
almond biscuit like the ones that I always get − you know, the sort of long, hard ones
that go soft when you dip them into a drink? Anyway, my arms were really full of
shopping, college books and stuff when I got there, and I needed to go to the loo. So
I just staggered to the table, put down all the things I was carrying and disappeared
for a couple of minutes. When I got back, this guy who’s in my English class was
sitting at my table. He’s someone I’ve fancied for ages. So far, so good? Well,
actually, no, because the moment I sat down, he started dipping the biscuit that I’d
bought into his drink! How rude! I was really shocked! Well, I glared at him for a
minute, and I wondered if this was really the man who I’d had so many dreams
about. In the end, I couldn’t stand it. I just grabbed the biscuit, and swallowed it in
one. He looked a bit surprised, but he smiled and said, ‘Lenka, you always make me
giggle.’ Well, he left soon after that, and ten minutes later, I got up, too. But imagine
my horror, when I picked up all my books and bags that I’d put on the table, and an
untouched almond biscuit fell out from under the pile! And the biscuit that I’d
eaten? Well, that was one that he’d bought! Oh dear!

Track 3.23
Voiced and unvoiced consonants
pepper, pen
bridge, baby
tree, train
duck, desk
thief, bath
feather, mother
cat, car
glass, gate
stairs, snake
zip, zebra
church, chicken
judge, jeans
flag, fridge
van, violin
shoe, ship
garage, treasure

Track 3.24
Interviewer: Hello, everyone! Today in the studio we have pop star Misha Barlow.
So, Misha, tell us something about your exciting and glamorous life!
Misha: Well, you know, being a singer isn’t all just glamorous photo shoots and
playing live gigs! All the travelling, meeting people, interviews and press conferences
are exhausting! This is one of the busiest weeks of my career.
Interviewer: So what’s life as a pop star really like?
Misha: Well, here’s my schedule for just one day... Tomorrow morning a car is
arriving at 8 a.m. to take me to Birmingham to sing live on Radio FX2. After that, I’m
having a makeover at Carlo’s Beauty Salon. Carlo’s going to give me a fabulous
conditioning treatment!
Interviewer: So what’s the makeover for?
Misha: Well, then I’m travelling straight to Manchester for a TV interview. It’s
important to look my best on TV shows!
Interviewer: You always look great, Misha!
Misha: Thank you! After that I’m recording my new single for the Chart Show. I’m
going to meet Natalie Imbruglia and Beyonce! How great is that? Honestly,
sometimes I forget where I am – thank goodness for press agents! Anyway, after
that, I’m going to Westgate shopping centre – it’s the only one that stays open so
late! Then it’s home to bed!
Interviewer: It all sounds exhausting! Are you planning to take a break at all?
Misha: Yes, definitely! I’m going to take some time off next year. I’m going to travel
to Thailand – it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go to! But it’s not just going to be
a holiday. I’m going to do some charity work while I’m there, too.
Interviewer: Good for you! You never stop, do you? Well, anyway, Misha, thanks for
coming …

Track 3.25
close down a company / close a company down 5
give out papers / give papers out 1
put down a glass / put a glass down 6
take off your coat / take your coat off 3
turn down a job / turn a job down 4
tidy up the room / tidy the room up 2

Track 3.26
Many countries have a carnival in February, but in Britain we’ve been celebrating
with Pancake Day for hundreds of years. It’s not quite the same as dancing in
wonderful costumes for hours, but I’ve always enjoyed it! Pancakes are made with
eggs, flour and milk, and we have pancake tossing competitions – that’s where you
throw and turn them as many times as you can – and pancake races, too. Today
we’ve been making pancakes since 6 a.m. We’ve been selling them for charity for
over three hours. We’re exhausted! We’ve sold nearly 200 so far, and we’ve raised a
lot of money. We haven’t had the pancake race yet. I’ve been looking forward to
that all day! My boyfriend is in it. He hasn’t been practising much recently, and I
think he may drop his pancake!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unit 4
Track 4.1
Nouns
the cast 18
the credits 15
the script 11
the soundtrack 16
special effects 20

Verbs
add subtitles 17
design the set 14
edit a film 13
shoot a scene 12
win an award 19

Track 4.2
1 The screenplay is written.
2 The cast and the location are chosen.
3 The film is edited.
4 The sound effects are added.
5 The film is burned to a DVD.

Track 4.3
Jamie: Did you see Slumdog Millionaire when it came out?
Marika: No, I always meant to, but I missed it. It won loads of Oscars, didn’t it?
Jamie: Yeah, about nine or ten, I think.
Marika: Amazing. So, what did you think of it?
Jamie: I loved the story, though I think it was a complete fantasy. I mean, it’s all
about this kid from the slums in Mumbai – he’s the slumdog of the title.
Marika: Uh-huh.
Jamie: And he wins twenty million rupees on the show Who wants to be a
millionaire?
Marika: Yeah, that’s what I heard. So, how does he do that?
Jamie: Well, that’s the point of the film. It’s all about luck. All through his life, he’s
had terrible luck. Um, he was born poor, his mother died, um, he lost his best friend
… and then his brother became a gangster. The first hour of the film is pretty heavy.
Marika: Really?
Jamie: Yeah, but nobody believes someone like this can know the answers to the
quiz questions. In fact, the police arrest him for cheating on the show.
Marika: So, it’s all a bit sad then?
Jamie: No, it isn’t! Because of all of his terrible experiences, he’s learned a lot about
life. And so he’s able to answer all the questions on the show. And he makes a
fortune!
Marika: Lucky him! I wish that would happen to me!
Jamie: Yeah, all that bad luck in the end makes him a rich man … and of course, he
gets the girl he loves.
Marika: The happy ending! As usual.
Jamie: Yup, and a Bollywood style ending of course, with crowds of actors dancing in
the streets. Totally unbelievable, but I still really enjoyed watching it.

Track 4.4
First date facts!
In a recent survey of people on a first date …
6 % met via the internet.
On average, first dates last about four hours.
60 % met through friends or family.
About 45 % of first dates end with a kiss.
25 % met at work.
90 % call in three days, if the date was successful.

Track 4.5
Sophie fancied Dylan. They went on a date. Then they started going out. Soon they
fell in love with each other and got engaged. After that they got married and went
on honeymoon. But he had an affair and broke her heart. So they split up. But a year
later they got back together again. Sadly, it didn’t work and two months later they
got divorced.

So the answers are …

break somebody’s heart 9
fall in love with 4
fancy somebody 1
get back together with 11
get engaged to 5
get divorced from 12
get married to 6
go on a date with 2
go on honeymoon 7
go out with 3
have an affair with 8
split up with 10
Track 4.6
Presenter: OK, Dawn’s mum Fleur and best friend Andy are here to find the partner
of Dawn’s dreams. Are you ready, Fleur and Andy?
Fleur & Andy: Yes.
Presenter: And bachelors, are you ready to find love?
Bachelors 1, 2 & 3: Yes.
Presenter: So, Andy, hit them with your first question.
Andy: OK, bachelor number 1. Dawn’s a very romantic person. If we chose you as her
partner, what would be your dream date together?
Bachelor 1: Well, I’m a very romantic person, too. If you chose me, I’d take Dawn to
a fantastic Italian restaurant and we’d share a plate of spaghetti together … but we
would have one fork only.
Fleur: Urgh! Dawn doesn’t like pasta. Bachelor number 2, same question.
Bachelor 2: Well, I’d arrive in my Ferrari with a big bunch of flowers for Dawn, and
then I’d fly her to my island in the Caribbean. Oh, and I’d tell her not to forget her
toothbrush, because we’d spend the whole weekend together!
Fleur: Oh, I see. And bachelor number 3, if you could go anywhere on your first date
with Dawn, where would it be?
Bachelor 3: I’d take her to my house and introduce her to my wonderful mother. My
mother’s very good at choosing girlfriends for me.
Fleur: How nice, of course she is! Well, I always say that a mother knows …
Andy: Hmm, I wonder what Dawn would think about that …?

Track 4.7
Andy: OK, question number 2, for bachelor number 2. Money’s not the most
important thing in life, but it helps. What would you do if you won a million pounds?
Bachelor 2: Well, I’d put it in my bank account with my other ten million. Or, if Dawn
preferred, I’d spend it all on a wedding ring for her.
Andy: I see. And bachelor number 3?
Bachelor 3: If I won a million pounds, I’d buy us a big house and invite my mother to
live with us. I just know that Dawn will love her.
Fleur: Yes, I’m sure, bachelor number 3. But Dawn already has a mother to love …
OK, and finally, bachelor number 1, what would you do if you suddenly had a million
pounds to spend?
Bachelor 1: Well, a million pounds is a lot of money. If we had so much, I’m not sure
it would make us happy. I think I’d like to give some of it to charity – maybe
something ecological for example – but I’d ask Dawn first for any suggestions.
Andy: That’s really sweet. I know Dawn would like that. OK, and finally …

Track 4.8
If we chose you for Dawn, what would be your dream date together?
If you chose me, I’d take Dawn to an Italian restaurant.
What would you do if you won a million pounds?
If I won a million pounds, I’d buy us a big house.

Track 4.9
He’s confident 5
She’s easy-going 2
She’s friendly 1
She’s generous 3
He’s cruel 4
He’s selfish 8
She’s unsuccessful 7
He’s naughty 6
insecure
fussy
cold
mean
kind
unselfish
successful
well-behaved

Track 4.10
Dawn: Well, to tell you the truth, my friend Andy told me he hadn’t really liked any
of the three guys. He’d found one of them really arrogant, and another one very
insecure. So they decided to choose Robbie. What a mistake! He’d said he was
romantic, but our date wasn’t romantic at all! This is how it went.

Friend: Go on, tell us all about it.

Dawn: Well, first of all, he arrived late. I’d been at the bus stop for 40 minutes when
he finally turned up, and I was feeling really upset! He apologised and said we were
going to a fantastic Italian restaurant that he’d discovered, so I calmed down a little.
Friend: That sounds better. So, what happened next?

Dawn: Well, a few minutes later, we were driving along a dark, empty street when
suddenly his car broke down! We couldn’t find a taxi, so we had to walk all the way
to the restaurant. Can you believe it? To make matters worse, all of a sudden it
started to rain. Had Robbie brought an umbrella? Of course he hadn’t!

Dawn: When we finally got to the restaurant, we were both really stressed out
because I’d fallen and broken one of my shoes, my favourite pair of course, and we’d
both got soaked in the rain. But worst of all, we hadn’t even ordered any food,
before his mobile phone rang.

Dawn: It was an ex-girlfriend, too! As soon as he answered the call, he got very
angry. Why had he split up with her? I wasn’t sure, but they were having a huge
argument now, during our first date! I read the menu while he was talking on the
phone, but after ten minutes, I’d had enough.…

Dawn: I was absolutely furious, so I just left. When I looked back, he still hadn’t
finished his call. I don’t think he’d even noticed that I’d gone. I didn’t care. I don’t like
Italian food anyway! The whole evening was a completely disaster!
Dawn: Next time I want to find a new partner, I’ll choose him for myself!

Track 4.11
Esther grew up in the country. She loves shopping around for a bargain. To relax, she
always stays in and watches TV. Yesterday her husband turned up late for dinner –
again! She was furious but after a few minutes, she calmed down. She often thinks of
running away, but she never has. Not yet anyway!

So the answers are …

calm down 11
grow up 7
run away 12
shop around 8
stay in 9
turn up 10

Track 4.13
1 after a while
2 a few minutes later
3 all of a sudden
4 first of all
5 finally, suddenly
6 as soon as
7 after ten minutes
8 during

Track 4.14
Harry, I hate you. I never want to see you again.
Oh, Annie. I’ve lost millions. We’ll have to sell the house.
Rosie. I’m going to divorce you. And you won’t get any of my money.
Miles. I know you’re in love with Rosie. I saw you kissing in the garden.
Liam. I know you’ve planned to kill me. But you can’t, you’re too stupid!

Track 4.15
Sam: Now, I want you to tell me exactly what Bob Murdoch’s last words were to
each of you. Let’s begin with you, Harry.
Harry: His last words to me? He said he hated me and that he never wanted to see
me again. But I loved him. He was my father.
Liam: You liar! You always said you wanted to kill him.
Sam: Gentlemen, please! Now, what about you Annie?
Annie: He told me he had lost millions and we would have to sell the house. Poor Mr
Murdoch. I love this family, and this house. You don’t think I killed him, do you?
Sam: Now, now. I’m asking the questions. Thank you, Annie. And you Rosie?
Rosie: Bob said he was going to divorce me and that I wouldn’t get any of his money.
But he was always saying things like that. I know Bob loved me, and I could never kill
anybody.
Sam: And you Mr Knight? What was the last thing he said to you?
Miles: Must I? Here? In front of everybody?
Sam: Yes, I’m afraid you must answer my questions.
Miles: Very well. Bob told me he knew I was in love with Rosie. He had seen us
kissing in the garden. Well, it’s true. I love Rosie, but I didn’t kill Bob.
Sam: And finally you, Liam. What were your father’s last words to you?
Liam: He said he knew I’d planned to kill him. Then he told me that I couldn’t
because I was too stupid! And then he asked me to get him another drink. Yes, yes, I
hated my father, but I didn’t kill him.

Track 4.16
Yes, there was a murder, but there was more than one criminal. There were four! At
first, I thought it was just a crime of passion. Bob was unfaithful, and Rosie hated
him. But then I found out that Rosie was in love with Miles. They were planning to
run away together to Barbados. But before that, they had to get the money and kill
Bob.

On the night of the murder, Miles created an argument with Bob while Rosie
poisoned his drink. She wanted people to think that Annie had killed Bob with her
sleeping pills. So she had to steal some from Annie’s room. Rosie needed help to get
Annie out of her room. So her two sons, Harry and Liam, asked Annie to bring them
two special bottles of wine to Harry’s room. When Annie went to get it, Rosie went
into her room and stole some pills. After his argument with Miles, it was easy for
Rosie to get Bob to drink another glass of wine. And then, when the sleeping pills
started to work, and Bob became sleepy, Rosie pushed him down the stairs. So, the
murderer was Rosie but the other three were all guilty too. Annie was the only
suspect who wasn’t involved.

Track 4.17
ambition 14
combination 9
correction 16
destination 12
directions 13
exhibition 15
invitation 10
suggestion 11

description
information
organisation
pollution

Track 4.18
Lisa: Hi, Mick!
Mick: Hello, Lisa. Everything OK?
Lisa: Yes, fine … you?
Mick: Great. So, err, how did you get on at the interview?
Lisa: OK. Hmm, OK. I think it went quite well.
Mick: Brilliant! Do you think you’ll get the job?
Lisa: I’m not sure. There were a lot of candidates.
Mick: Really? Yeah, yeah, but none of them are as wonderful as you!
Lisa: Oh, Mick.
Mick: So, what questions did they ask you?
Lisa: Well, err, first they asked me to tell them a little about myself.
Mick: Uh-huh.
Lisa: And why I had left my last job.
Mick: That’s easy enough.
Lisa: Uh-huh. Yes, I told them I hated it and the money was terrible!
Mick: Good for you!
Lisa: Yeah, they enjoyed that.
Mick: What else?
Lisa: Well, then the man asked whether I was applying for any other jobs.
Mick: Are you?
Lisa: No, I really want this one.
Mick: Hmm? Well, I’m sure they liked that, too.
Lisa: I hope so.
Mick: Any more questions you remember?
Lisa: Well, she asked me why they should hire me. That was hard to answer.
Mick: I can imagine! So what did you say?
Lisa: Oh, I told her I was wonderful of course!
Mick: Of course! I really think you’re amazing.
Lisa: Oh, Mick! You’re so sweet. Oh yes, and he asked if I would work overtime, you
know, at nights or weekends.
Mick: And what did you say?
Lisa: Yes, absolutely, no problem. I really want to get this job!
Mick: But, err, that means … I mean, if you get it, then I’ll never see you.
Lisa: Oh, Mick. Don’t be silly. But why are you so interested in all this?
Mick: Err, no reason.
Lisa: Mick?
Mick: Well, OK. Err, well, um, sorry Lisa, err, but actually, I’ve applied for the job
myself. I’ve got an interview tomorrow!
Lisa: What? Mick!

Track 4.19
Ten years ago I fell out with my best friend. Then last week I signed up for an XML
course for work. I hate technology, but I couldn’t get out of it. Unbelievably, she was
on the course, too. So we caught up with each other and soon became friends again.
I’m meeting up with her next week and I’m really looking forward to seeing her
again!

So the answers are…

catch up with 16
get out of 15
fall out with 13
look forward to 18
meet up with 17
sign up for 14

Track 4.20
1 They asked me to tell them a little about myself.
2 They asked me why I had left my last job.
3 He asked me whether I was applying for any other jobs.
4 She asked me why they should hire me.
5 He asked me if I would work overtime, you know at nights or weekends.

Track 4.21
Maya: That must be the worst film that has ever been made.
Jim: Yes, it wasn’t very well directed, was it?
Maya: I agree. And I heard that the actors were not paid enough by the film
company.
Jim: That’s right – they got very little money. And, what’s more, I think it was really
badly edited!
Maya: Yeah, it was. I hear the sequel is being made at the moment.
Jim: Really? Have the actors been chosen yet?
Maya: I don’t think so. Anyone who is offered a part in it should definitely say no!
Jim: You’re so right, Maya. I wouldn’t go near it!

Track 4.22
Three years ago, my brother worked in insurance while he was saving money for
college. A week after he started, there was a very bad storm. A lot of people rang the
company to claim for accidents that had happened during the bad weather.

One caller was in a panic because the storm had damaged his property. Several trees
had fallen down, and some were moving dangerously. They hadn’t fallen yet but
they weren’t safe. The company advised him to pay a tree surgeon to remove the
trees.

By the next day, the man’s panic had got worse because he’d decided to cut the
trees down himself. He said he’d cut down one large tree and suddenly it had fallen
onto the roof of his house!

What do you think my brother said to him? Do you think his company ever agreed to
pay for the repairs to the house?

Essential English 4: Activity Book Transcripts

Track AB 1.1
Paul: Hi, Andy. I haven’t seen you for ages! How’s it going?
Andy: Great! Work is fine and I’m studying at the moment, too.
Paul: Oh, what are you studying?
Andy: I started an HTML course last week.
Paul: Wow! Why did you decide to do that?
Andy: I wanted to become a website designer. What about you?
Paul: Well, I changed jobs last month. I’m a journalist now.
Andy: Really? What were you doing before?
Paul: I was teaching in a primary school in north London.
Andy: Well, congratulations! Let’s go for a drink! Are you doing anything right now?

Track AB 1.2
Well, I’ve been an actor for over two years now, but so far it’s been really difficult to
find work. Because I love my work – there’s really nothing else I’d rather do – I often
take jobs that pay me very little. That way I get more experience and people can see
how good I am! I haven’t had a job that pays well for months! I’ve worked on six
shows since February … but I’ve only earned €400 since the beginning of the year!
Can you believe it – €400 for six shows! Still, there’s more to life than just money,
isn’t there? At the moment, I’m working on a film in Romania – I’ve only got a small
part, but it’s good experience. I’ve been here for a couple of months and it can get
really lonely sometimes. I haven’t seen my friends since I came to Romania. Maybe
they think I’m living on the moon or something …

Track AB 1.3
Interviewer: So, Zak. How long have you been an airline pilot?
Zak: Quite a long time. For about 20 years.
Interviewer: Wow! And have you always flown jumbo jets?
Zak: No, I haven’t. I started with smaller planes.
Interviewer: I see. And how long have you worked for KLM?
Zak: I’ve been with them since 2002. That’s when I started.
Interviewer: And how long have you had your pilot’s licence?
Zak: Since my 21st birthday. I really love flying!

Track AB 1.4
1
I’ve just heard that my sister’s had a baby! It’s a girl!
That’s great!

2
I’ve just passed my driving test.
Well done! I’m really pleased for you.

3
I haven’t finished my essay yet, so I’m not going out tonight.
That’s a shame. Ah well, see you next week then.

4
I’ve joined a new dating site, and I’ve already met two new men.
How interesting! What are they like?

5
I got my new car last week, and I’ve already had a small accident.
Oh dear. What happened?

6
My uncle hasn’t come out of hospital yet.
I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he’s better soon.

Track AB 1.5
Woman: Have you seen my mobile anywhere, Darren? I’ve looked everywhere but I
can’t find it.
Darren: No, sorry. Have you asked anyone else? Who’s in at the moment?
Woman: Nobody. Janey’s gone out with someone and Lucy’s out shopping
somewhere. She said something about her plans before she left, but I wasn’t
listening.
Darren: She’s out shopping again?! What’s she buying? She already has everything!
Woman: I know!
Darren: Well, I’m not going anywhere this morning. I’ll help you look for it but can
you get me something to drink first?
Woman: Of course! Anything in particular?

Track AB 1.6
A: Have you ever been to Egypt Jackie? You know, seen the Pyramids…
B: Yes, I have actually. There are over a hundred pyramids, you know!
A: Oh, really? … So when did you go?
B: A couple of years ago … no, actually, it was three years ago now. Wow! Doesn’t
time fly!
A: And did you go with Phil?
B: No, I didn’t. I went with a group of friends from university.
A: That’s nice. So what did you do there?
B: Well, we spent most of the time visiting old buildings – all the temples, mosques
and museums … and the pyramids, of course. It was exhausting. We spent one day
on the beach at the end of the trip just to relax a bit.
A: So what was the best thing about it?
B: Erm, I guess it was finding out more about the history of the country – they were
amazing people the Ancient Egyptians.
A: Have you read any of those Wilbur Smith novels about Ancient Egypt?
B: No, I haven’t and I don’t think I will – they sound like absolute rubbish!

Track AB 2.1
Carole: I’m so broke, Marissa. I don’t know where all my money goes!
Marissa: Well, what about writing down how much you spend each week?
Carole: Yeah, maybe I will. I keep a record of my bills. But for things like shopping,
too?
Marissa: Yes, shopping too! You could set a limit for spending on clothes and shoes.
Say, €50 a month?
Carole: Yeah, I might do that! I’m sure I spend more than that now!
Marissa: Yes, I think you do! Try it for a month or two. You could be surprised.
Carole: Nice idea. OK, how about going out to celebrate? I’m really hungry!
Marissa: OK, Carole. But let’s go somewhere cheap!

Track AB 2.2
I’ve been a traffic warden for nearly two years. As part of my job I have to walk
round the streets looking for cars that are parked illegally. For example, in the UK
you mustn’t park on a double yellow line, or in a residents only area. When I see a
car on the yellow lines, I take a photo and then write a parking ticket. The car owner
must pay a fine. He … or she … won’t have to go to court if he or she pays the fine
immediately. Traffic wardens are very unpopular in the UK. However, I had to get a
job because I need the money – I’m saving up to buy a flat. Of course, I didn’t have
to become a traffic warden – there are lots of jobs to choose from! But I really enjoy
my work. I don’t have to sit in an office all day and I meet lots of interesting people.
And some very angry ones too!

Track AB 2.3
1 I first left home in my 20s.
2 The speed limit in my country is 80 kilometres per hour.
3 I can run about 4.5 kilometres.
4 I’m 1 metre 75.
5 My flat is around 105 square metres.
6 When I was born, I weighed 3.8 kilograms.

Track AB 2.4
Presenter: Hello and welcome to Sporting Stars with your host Sue Barber and team
leaders Scott Turnbull and Louisa Jenkins. Now, the first question tonight is for
Scott’s team. How old was athlete Jessie Owens when he won an Olympic medal, 17,
22 or 29?
Scott: I don’t know … 17 is very young and 29 seems too old. I’d say he was 22.
Presenter: Yes, Scott, he was 22. One point for your team. Second question for
Louisa’s team: How long is a marathon, 42.195 km, 40.12 km or 36.986 km?
Louisa: Oh, I can never remember this. Is it 40.12 km?
Presenter: No, Louisa, it isn’t. The answer is 42.195 km. Question 3, for Scott’s team:
How tall is David Beckham, 1 metre 83, 1 metre, 85 or 1 metre 89?
Woman: Oh, help! He’s tall – I’d say 1 metre 89.
Presenter: I’m afraid you’re wrong. He is in fact 1 metre 83 tall. Now onto question
4: How deep is an Olympic swimming pool, 4 m, 3 m or 2 m?
Man: An Olympic pool must be at least 2 m deep.
Presenter: Correct answer, one point for Louisa’s team! Question 5: How high can
the best high jumper jump, 1 metre 55, 2 metres 45 or 3.05 metres?
Scott: I think the current world record for high jump is 3.05 metres.
Presenter: That’s the wrong answer, Scott. Javier Sotomayor holds the world record
of an amazing 2 metres 45. And the final question in this round: How far do you have
to run in an Olympic triathlon, 5 km, 7 km or 10 km?
Louisa: Hmm, I’d say 7 km. That’s a long way.
Presenter: I’m afraid the answer is 10 km, Louisa, for an Olympic triathlon. So, at the
end of that round, Scott’s team have …

Track AB 2.5
Helen: Lilia, you’re an exercise addict, aren’t you?
Lilia: Why do you say that, Helen? You haven’t started exercising, have you? You
hate sport!
Helen: I know, but it’s not really sport, that’s the thing. They’ve started a new dance
exercise class at the sports centre on Green Street. You go there a lot, don’t you?
Lilia: Yes, I’m a member. I go three times a week to use the gym. You didn’t actually
go inside, did you?
Helen: Well, I wanted to try the dance class.
Lilia: Oh yes, that’s the one that teaches salsa and disco, isn’t it?
Helen: That’s the one. You won’t be upset, will you? I went last night without you.
Lilia: Oh, don’t worry about it, Helen. I’m not really keen on dance.
Helen: But it was brilliant! I had so much fun, I didn’t even think about burning
calories! We could go together next time, couldn’t we?
Lilia: I’m glad you enjoyed it, but I think I’ll stick to working out in the gym, thanks!

Track AB 2.6
What’s the matter with you today? Did you eat something that’s given you a
stomach ache, or do you have a headache from working too hard, too long and too
late? Maybe you have a cough and a cold, or perhaps you’re just tired and feeling a
bit weak and in need of a rest.

Until now, maybe you’ve just taken an aspirin and gone to bed. Uh, uh! No more!
Whatever the problem, now you can get quick, cheap medical advice, and even the
right medicine, over the phone with EasyDoc! Just ring 0899 389 4428 today!
Calls cost 1 euro 50 a minute, plus a connection charge of only one euro. Easy Doc is
not responsible for …

Track AB 2.7
Speaker 1
Of course I’ve taken a sickie in the past. Hasn’t everyone? I know you shouldn’t
pretend to be sick, but … well, sometimes you just need an extra day off when you’re
feeling tired.

Speaker 2
If you’re feeling stressed, you should try to slow down. You ought to do some gentle
exercise, too, as this will make you feel better. Yoga is particularly good for calming
the body and mind.

Speaker 3
If you find it difficult to wake up in the morning, should you drink lots of coffee? No,
you absolutely shouldn’t! It’s addictive and bad for your health. Instead, you ought
to do more exercise and go to bed earlier.

Speaker 4
I’ve tried everything: eating nothing but fruit, eating vegetable soup, not eating
bread or pasta … Nothing works! I’ve put on five kilos in the past year and I just can’t
lose it!

Speaker 5
I know I ought to give up smoking. I’ve tried so many times but it never works. The
longest I’ve given up for is four weeks. Now my wife says she’ll give me a two-week
skiing holiday … on my own! … IF I give up! She doesn’t think I can, but I’m going to
show her she’s wrong! Two weeks alone … just think of it …

Track AB 3.1
Hi, Megan. It’s Heath. ... I’m fine, I guess, but exhausted. We’re really busy at the
moment ... Yeah, we’re releasing a new single next Monday. Remember that song
you liked? It’s that one. So we’re giving a press conference this afternoon for the
papers. Then we’re doing an interview with a radio DJ on Saturday to promote our
album, and the new song in particular. You know we’re going on tour on the 15 th?
We’re playing a live gig every night for two months! So let’s get together on Sunday!
How about lunch at 1 o’clock? ... Yes? Great!

Track AB 3.2
Mike: Hi, Joey. What are your plans for the summer? Are you doing anything special?
Joey: Well, I don’t have enough money to go on holiday, but I’m going to see some
gigs!
Mike: Cool! Who are you going to see?
Joey: Well, I’m seeing The Killers on Saturday. And in July I’m going to see Lady Gaga!
Mike: Wow! They’re quite different bands!
Joey: Totally, I know … but I like all sorts of music.
Mike: So, are you going to get tickets for that new festival in Birmingham?
Joey: I don’t know. I saw the adverts, but I’m going to wait and see which bands are
playing. How about you?
Mike: I can’t, I’m working this summer. I won’t be able to take time off.
Joey: You’re so hard-working … I remember that! So where are you working?
Mike: At a music magazine. The money isn’t great, but it’s good experience. I can’t
wait!
Joey: So you’re going to be a music journalist one day!
Mike: Ha! That’s a long way off! Look, I’m having some friends round tomorrow to
watch a film and have some pizza. Do you want to come?
Joey: I’d love to. See you then.

Track AB 3.3
A: My cousin says they do everything at his school on computers. That’s a good
thing!
B: Do you think so?
A: Well, it’ll mean the kids are really ready for work. They’ll be able to find a job
more easily.
B: I’m not so sure.
A: Why not? They learn all the programs you need for writing, emailing, designing
websites … I had to learn that stuff on the job!
B: Maybe you’re right.
A: It’s definitely useful. I wonder if they still teach them handwriting, though.
B: I hope so!
A: In future most kids won’t worry about their written work. They’ll expect the
computer to correct their spelling and grammar.
B: That would be terrible!

Track AB 3.4
A: Have you been doing anything new recently?
B: Yup! I’ve been learning to dance the tango!
A: Really? How long have you been doing that for?
B: About four months now.
A: What’s been the best thing so far?
B: Well, I think I’ve fallen in love with my teacher!
A: Oh no! And have you taken any tests or exams?
B: Yeah, I had to take a test to check my level.
A: And have you entered any competitions?
B: Err … no. No, I haven’t. I’m not good enough yet!
A: So what have you learned so far?
B: Well, I’ve learned to walk very elegantly.

Track AB 3.5
1 Don’t forget your umbrella, in case it rains.
2 If I have time, I’ll come and see you.
3 You’ll find this class hard unless you study at home.
4 Tell Maria, otherwise she’ll be very upset.
5 I’ll come to your party, even if I’m busy at work.
6 After the celebration is over, I’ll help you clear up.

Track AB 4.1
Presenter: OK, now I’m going to hand you over to our film critic, Alice Mann. Alice,
what have you got for us this week?
Alice: Thanks, Tony. This week I’m going to tell you about a film called Little Miracles.
It’s just come out this week and I have to say the scenery is absolutely beautiful. It’s
set in Siena, in Italy, and is directed by Lucy MacKinnon. This is her first film, but you
wouldn’t think so, as it’s a brilliant piece of film-making from a talented director. It
deserves to win an Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony.
Presenter: Wow! You’re really impressed with this film, then?
Alice: Definitely. It’s a beautiful film, and the story is so sweet and sincere. It’s about
a young girl called Mara. Everywhere she goes, miracles happen. The young actress
who plays Mara, Francesca Guerrini, is really outstanding.
Presenter: So, nothing bad to say about this one, then?
Alice: Well, if I had to be critical, I’d say that the ending is a little predictable – I knew
what was going to happen in the end, but it was no less enjoyable for that.

Track AB 4.2
If you’ve always wanted to be a director, now’s your chance! The Budding Director
competition has been held for more than 50 years. Young people who weren’t given
the chance to study film-making at college send us their short films. The top prize is
the chance to have your film made professionally. Last year, more than 200 short
films were entered into the competition. Were all of the films well made? Yes, many
of them were. However, of the original 200, just 10 were chosen to go through to
the final.

The winning entry last year, Rain on a Windowpane, is currently being shot – this
time with professional actors and editing. The film’s director has been introduced to
top directors in Hollywood, and his latest script has been sold for $500,000. What
are you waiting for? Send us your short film now! Winning entrants will be notified
within two months. What have you got to lose?

Track AB 4.3
Marco: Hey, Rasia, I’ve just done a questionnaire in this magazine. I love these ‘What
would you do if …?’ questions. Let’s see how you would answer them.
Rasia: OK, go on …
Marco: Right, first question. If you were a millionaire, what would you spend your
money on?
Rasia: Hmm, well, I wouldn’t spend it on fast cars or boats. I think I’d buy a big house
in Greece – by the sea!
Marco: Mmm, nice. OK, next question. If you had more time, would you take up a
new hobby?
Rasia: No, I think I’ve got enough hobbies – that’s why I don’t have any free time! If I
had more time, I’d spend it on the sofa watching TV.
Marco: OK, next one. What would you do if your best friend stole your boyfriend?
Rasia: Huh? If Alexis stole Steve from me, I’d … I’d kill her with my bare hands … only
joking! Well, I’d certainly never speak to her again – ever!
Marco: Right … that’s good to know, I’ll make sure I never upset you! OK. If Steve
proposed to you tomorrow, where would you get married?
Rasia: Oh, that would be lovely. I’ve always wanted to get married in another
country … on an island – yes, I’d go to a Caribbean island and I wouldn’t invite
anyone – except Steve, of course.
Marco: If you didn’t study English, what other language would you study?
Rasia: Well, I’ve always wanted to study Japanese – you know, a non-European
language, with a different script. That would be really interesting.
Marco: Yes, it would … Anyway, last question! How would you celebrate if it was
your 50th birthday?
Rasia: My 50th birthday! Well, I would want to do something really special. I think I’d
take the Eurostar to Paris with all my friends and family. We’d eat in the most
expensive restaurants and go shopping and sightseeing … ooh, how long is it till I’m
50?

Track AB 4.4
Today my granddaughter asked me how I met my wife. Well, it was 1960 and I was
at a rock’n’roll club in Manchester. It was quiet in the club, when all of a sudden the
door opened and a group of girls came in. They were sweet enough, but nothing
special. Then, a few minutes later, in walked their friend, Patsy.

She was beautiful, and her smile lit up the room. As soon as I saw her, I knew she
would be my wife. Unfortunately she didn’t feel the same. First of all, she thought I
was arrogant, and secondly she quite fancied my friend, Freddie.

However, after a while, I asked her to dance. I managed to get her phone number
and a few days later we went on our first date, to the zoo … Well, why not?! By the
time we’d looked round the zoo, I’d already decided to propose.

Ten months later, we finally got married. A year later, we had a baby boy, and then
our little girl followed. Of course we’ve had our arguments, but I can honestly say
that during my marriage of 50 years, I’ve always loved my wife. Patsy is still the
woman of my dreams!

Track AB 4.5
Speaker 1
I was working at six o’clock. I was nowhere near the crime scene – ask my boss.

Speaker 2
I hate Tom, I’ll admit it. But I would never do anything as terrible as murder him!

Speaker 3
I saw a woman with brown hair having coffee with Tom last week. I don’t know who
she is – I’d never seen her before.

Speaker 4
You should speak to Tom’s wife. The pair of them were always arguing.

Speaker 5
You’ll never find out who did it. I don’t believe you’ll find any clues.

Speaker 6
Tom seemed a bit down, a bit depressed, the last time I saw him. He wasn’t his usual
self.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Essential English 4: Phrasebook Transcripts

Track P1
Sounds interesting!
What are you up to?
How’s it going?
these days
I don’t think so.
That’s strange.
things like that
I’m not surprised!
With a bit of luck.
Can you believe it?
What a pity!
What a nightmare!
That was quick!
Hurry up!
I’m really pleased for you.
I’m much too tired.
You look upset.
Hold on!
You’re such a liar!
nobody at all
Anything in particular?
I learned as I went along.
a waste of time
I just love it!
It scares me.
even better than ...
What could possibly go wrong?
once in a lifetime
Tell me all about it!
You must be exhausted!

Track P2
I’d rather not.
a place to hang out
Maybe I will.
I’m kind of addicted.
I guess I’m hooked.
That reminds me ...
One good thing, though ...
I’m so broke.
But then I suppose ...
If things go wrong.
That was quite scary!
whatever happens
Pay attention to ...
Everyone makes mistakes.
How fast can you run?
Are they both into running?
I’m a slow runner.
in their early 20s
only 1.5m or so
But who cares, anyway?
How important to you is ...
How come?
Ha, ha, very funny!
I’m afraid I can’t.
Take a day off work.
Try to slow down.
I’m sorry to hear that.
He got the wrong idea.
Things have changed.
Life’s not that bad!

Track P3
Watch out!
That wasn’t my fault.
Let’s get together on Sunday!
I can’t wait!
I’m having some friends round.
We won’t even notice it.
It makes more sense.
It’ll be much easier ...
I wonder if ...
So how does it work?
It doesn’t seem to matter.
Shall we buy it?
Even so ...
I don’t get involved.
since I was a child
a terrible mess
It really hurts.
It reminds me of ...
a tourist trap
Give us a call!
I’m really going to miss you!
Be quiet!
That smells disgusting.
Go away!
I don’t care.
So far, so good!
How rude!
I was really shocked!
I couldn’t stand it.
I know what you mean.

Track P4
Check them out!
It’s easier than you think.
But in many ways ...
I meant to ...
That’s the point.
It’s pretty heavy.
Lucky him!
as usual
Totally unbelievable!
Now’s your chance.
What are you waiting for?
That’s another story!
... if you dare!
Have you heard of ...?
On average ...
That’s really sweet.
That’s good to know!
To make matters worse ...
Worst of all ...
I’d had enough!
I was absolutely furious!
a complete disaster
he seemed a bit depressed
One day I hope I’ll ...
Now, now!
Don’t be so silly!
How did you get on?
That’s easy enough.
Good for you!
I can imagine!